Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can be sensory, where there are problems with sight, hearing or speech, or they may impair motor function, so that movement is restricted or imprecise. Injuries may cause a disability, and disease such as a heart condition may also make normal exertion impossible.
Some disabilities start at birth - congenital disabilities. Others are acquired during life. If you have a disability, it is almost certain that there are many others who do also. Most conditions have support groups or associations that have grown up relating to the problem. These groups may offer specialized help to minimize the effect of the condition.
Recently Answered
- Q Can women who are paralyzed have children?
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Despite their physical limitations, women who are paralyzed can become pregnant and have a vaginal birth. While paralyzed men tend to have some difficulty with sexual function, paralyzed women typically continue to menstruate and experience the same... Full Answer
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- Q What is the cost of caring for someone who is paralyzed?
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The cost of caring for someone who is paralyzed can be significant. Exactly how much depends on the extent of the disability. However, it is estimated that the cost of caring for someone with a spinal column injury can average as much as $148,000 a year.... Full Answer
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- Q What are researchers discovering about paralysis?
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Researchers are working on ways to repair the damaged nerves that cause paralysis. Some scientists are also developing new medications to treat the symptoms of paralysis. In addition, researchers are finding new ways to help people with paralysis become... Full Answer
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- Q What should I do if I suspect that my child has dysarthria?
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If you suspect your child has dysarthria, talk to your pediatrician right away. In a young child who has not yet mastered speaking, diagnosing dysarthria is more difficult than diagnosing the condition in adults. In an infant or young child, common... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my dysarthria on a daily basis?
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A variety of underlying causes, such as stroke or degenerative diseases, can lead to dysarthria. Work with your doctor to develop a plan that treats your specific cause and helps improve your speech. The following strategies may be useful for improving... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with dysarthria?
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For individuals with dysarthria, difficulty communicating can strain relationships with friends and family, make social situations uncomfortable, and may even lead to depression. If you are caring for someone with dysarthria, your patience and support is... Full Answer
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- Q How is dysarthria different from other speech problems like aphasia?
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Damage to the brain may cause several different speech impediments, including dysarthria or aphasia. Dysarthria is caused by the inability to properly control and coordinate the muscles needed for speech. While speech may be slurred and difficult to... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my dysarthria symptoms?
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Dysarthria may be caused by a serious underlying condition. If you go through an unexplained change in your ability to speak or control the tone and volume of your speech, talk to your doctor. Prompt medical attention is critical to successfully treating... Full Answer
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- Q What is the rate of incidence for dysarthria?
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It's hard to estimate an exact number of people affected by dysarthria because the condition has so many causes and may have a range of severity. If you have a brain or nerve disorders, or are older and in poor health, you have an increased risk for... Full Answer
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- Q How does dysarthria affect the body?
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Dysarthria affects the body by causing difficulty speaking. Dysarthria is caused by a variety of things that affect the brain and nerves, including stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, and other nerve or brain conditions. When the brain or nerves are... Full Answer
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